DRC Civil Society Groups Demand Greater Transparency Over Strategic Minerals Decree
Civil Society Calls for Transparency and Public Consultation on DRC Strategic Minerals Decree
Civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo have called for greater transparency and wider stakeholder engagement in the development of a proposed decree governing the management of the country’s strategic mineral resources.
The organizations argue that the draft regulation could have significant implications for the governance, exploitation and commercialization of critical minerals, particularly those essential to the global energy transition, including cobalt, copper and lithium.
In a joint statement, civil society groups expressed concern over the lack of public consultation during the drafting process and urged authorities to ensure that the decree reflects the interests of Congolese citizens, mining communities and national development priorities.
The organizations maintain that transparent policymaking is essential to strengthening investor confidence while ensuring accountability in the management of the country’s vast mineral wealth.
The proposed decree is expected to play a key role in defining how strategic minerals are identified, regulated and promoted within the broader framework of the DRC’s mining sector. Given the country’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of battery metals, stakeholders believe the regulation could influence future investment patterns and resource governance.
Civil society representatives have called on the government to publish the full draft text and facilitate an inclusive review process involving mining industry participants, community organizations, academics and technical experts. They argue that broad consultation would help strengthen the quality of the regulation and reduce the risk of future disputes.
The groups also emphasized the importance of aligning any new regulatory framework with existing mining legislation, international best practices and the principles of good governance.
According to stakeholders, greater transparency would help ensure that strategic mineral development contributes more effectively to economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.
The debate comes as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, placing the DRC at the center of international supply chains for electric vehicles, energy storage systems and renewable energy technologies.
As a result, decisions related to the governance of strategic minerals are attracting increased attention from investors, policymakers and development partners.
Civil society organizations say they support efforts to maximize the value of the country’s mineral resources but insist that such reforms must be implemented through transparent, participatory and accountable processes that safeguard national interests and deliver long-term benefits for the Congolese population.
